Mimosa pudica (Makahiya) with cucumber melon-infused fragrance: a natural air freshener gel and mosquito repellent

Abstract

Insect repellents commonly contain most ingredients such as: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, thus becoming a common product for manufacturers to manufacture. Insect repellents enable people to feel comfortable and guarded as they have a purpose of repelling insects especially mosquitoes when spending time outdoors or posed on an area with high populations of insects or mosquitoes. Without insect repellents, people would suffer with insect problems, hence, the researchers utilized an eco-friendly and accessible primary ingredient for mosquito repelling and air freshening, which is the Mimosa pudica. With the sulfuric odor or compound present in the plant it can repel mosquitoes. To counteract the sulfuric odor, a cucumber melon fragrance was infused, providing a refreshing aroma that enhances its usability as an air freshener while maintaining its repellent efficacy. The purpose of this research was to establish the effectiveness of Mimosa pudica extract in air purification as well as mosquito repellent ability while giving the product an aromatic character through a fresh cucumber melon fragrance. Phytochemical analysis was done to find active compounds responsible for its repellent activity. This product, based on a standard gel-formulation technique with natural fragrance infusion, was used to assess its odor-neutralizing activity and mosquito-repellent ability. Results of the phytochemical analysis revealed bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, responsible for the efficacy of the plant. Fragrance and usability of the product were also tested for consumer acceptance. This study proves the possibility that Mimosa pudica may become the next best thing for ecological, inexpensive substitutes in everyday household products: useful, with aesthetic value, but only using fewer chemical by-products. Insect repellents commonly contain most ingredients such as: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, thus becoming a common product for manufacturers to manufacture. Insect repellents enable people to feel comfortable and guarded as they have a purpose of repelling insects especially mosquitoes when spending time outdoors or posed on an area with high populations of insects or mosquitoes. Without insect repellents, people would suffer with insect problems, hence, the researchers utilized an eco-friendly and accessible primary ingredient for mosquito repelling and air freshening, which is the Mimosa pudica. With the sulfuric odor or compound present in the plant it can repel mosquitoes. To counteract the sulfuric odor, a cucumber melon fragrance was infused, providing a refreshing aroma that enhances its usability as an air freshener while maintaining its repellent efficacy. The purpose of this research was to establish the effectiveness of Mimosa pudica extract in air purification as well as mosquito repellent ability while giving the product an aromatic character through a fresh cucumber melon fragrance. Phytochemical analysis was done to find active compounds responsible for its repellent activity. This product, based on a standard gel-formulation technique with natural fragrance infusion, was used to assess its odor-neutralizing activity and mosquito-repellent ability. Results of the phytochemical analysis revealed bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, responsible for the efficacy of the plant. Fragrance and usability of the product were also tested for consumer acceptance. This study proves the possibility that Mimosa pudica may become the next best thing for ecological, inexpensive substitutes in everyday household products: useful, with aesthetic value, but only using fewer chemical by-products.